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Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00 Thursday 09:00 - 18:00 Friday 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

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Complementary & Alternative Health, Ronwill Street 758 Ramsgate, Ramsgate (2026)

26/02/2026

Do you know what is Dystonia? Let's explain in detail 🤔

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent involuntary muscle contractions, that leads to abnormal postures, repetitive movements or twisting of body parts.

These contractions are not random, they follow specific muscle patterns and often worsen with voluntary movement or stress, highlighting a central nervous system origin rather than a primary muscle disease.

On a neurophysiological level, dystonia is associated with abnormal sensorimotor integration and mal-adaptive neuroplasticity. The brain misprocesses sensory input and motor output, causing distorted motor output in the vortex.

This explains why repetitive tasks (such as writing or speaking) can trigger task specific dystonia and why symptoms may spread to adjacent muscle groups over time.
Muscle pathology in dystonia is secondary, not primary.

Repeated involuntary contractions leads to muscle fatique, pain, stiffness and eventual soft tissue adaptations, including muscle shortening and altered joint alignment. In cervical dystonia, chronic overactivity of neck muscles results in asymmetric loading of the cervical spine, increasing the risk of degenerative changes and chronic pain syndromes.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Dystonia is a disorder of abnormal motor control, rooted in dysfunctional brain circuitry rather than muscle damage.

Treatment focus on modulating neutral output, while addressing secondary biomechanical consequences such as pain, postural asymmetry and movement inefficiency.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

25/02/2026

Let's explain a Hip Imbalace, so you can understand the mechanics 🤔

Hip imbalance refers to an asymmetry in motion, strength or control between the right and left hip joints, leading to altered pelvic alignment.

Biomechanical ly, when one hip rotates, abducts or extends differently from the other, the pelvis is forced to compensate by elevating, dropping or rotating on one side.

This compensatory pelvis movement is not a flow by itself, but a survival strategy to maintain upright posture and forward progression.
At the hip joint level, imbalance often arises from unequal activity of the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, deep rotator and hip flexors.

If one side produces less force or has reduced neuromuscular timing, the femur rotates excessively, relative to the pelvis. This creates asymmetric joint moments, increasing compressive and shear forces at the hip, sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine.

The pelvis acts as a mechanical bridge between the spine and lower limbs. When one hip underperformes, the pelvis elevates or rotates on the opposite side to counterbalance the loss of stability. While this help keep the center of mass over the base of support, it increases the loading on the lumbar facets, intervertebral discs and contralateral hip abductors.

Over time, this uneven load sharing contributes to chronic low back pain, SI joint stress and unilateral hip discomfort.

From a postural standpoint, persistent hip imbalance leads to adaptive muscle length changes. Muscles on one side may become short and overactive, while their counterparts become long and inhibited.

The imbalance reinforces faulty movement patterns, making the pelvis rely more on passive structures like ligaments and joint capsules, instead of active muscular control.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Hip imbalance is not just a local hip issue but a global biomechanical problem involving the pelvis, spine and lower extremities. Restoring symmetry in hip mobility, strength and timing is essential to normalize pelvic mechanics, reduce abnormal joint loading and improve overall efficiency.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

24/02/2026

Did you know that your Feet affects your Hips. Let's explain 🤔

Many people are unaware of the connection between the feet and the hips. When a foot pronates, your hip on that same side moves down and anteriorly. With a supinated foot, the opposite happens.

If you understand this, it should make sense that hip issues that are stemming from their locked and adopted foot, affects posture. This is why fixing someone's feet can unlock their rotated pelvic and address issues like sciatica.

If the body is not correctly aligned, some parts must work harder to support posture and maintain balance. Similarly, poor form can cause some muscles and bones to overcompensate, leading to supination.

Although supination and pronation are a natural part of movement, the gait cycle, too much of either motion can lead to an uneven gait and result in complications such as pain, swelling and hip misalignment.

THE BIG TOE:
Did you know the strength and flexibility of the big toe can impact your posture? The big toe plays an important role in the mechanics of the lower body, particularly during gait (walking and running). As the foot rolls forward, the big toe pushes off the ground and propels the body forward.

A foot Imbalance can affect the mechanics of the big toe by altering the way the weight is distributed across the foot, leading to decreased function.

HOW FOOT ISSUES AFFECTS HIP ALIGNMENT:
The feet are designed to absorb shock and adapt to uneven surfaces. But when they loose their natural alignment, due to flat arches, overpronation and general fatique, the body has to adjust to stay upright.

Overpronated foot cause the knee and hip to rotate inward, putting extra tension on hip stabilizing muscles. High arches can reduce shock absorption, increasing impact on the hip and lower back. Uneven gait can lead to one hip working harder than the other, creating muscle imbalance.

SIGNS FEET MAY CONTRIBUTE TO HIP PAIN:
Uneven wear on the soles of your shoes,. One leg or hip feeling tighter" or more fatique than the other. Soreness in the knees or lower back along with hip discomfort. A noticeable inward roll of the ankles when standing or walking. Relief when you're barefoot or on supportive surfaces.

TREATMENT:
These signs can help you recognize when the problem might be linked to your foundation rather than your hips themselves.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

23/02/2026

Radial Tunnel Syndrome. Let's explain 🤔

The radial nerve is a peripheral nerve that supplies movement and sensory function to parts of the arm, forearm, wrist and hand.

Nerves are like cables that carry electrical impulses between the brain and the rest of the body. These impulses help you feel sensations and move your muscles.

FUNCTION OF THE RADIAL NERVE: The function of the radial nerve is to supply movement (motor) and sensory information between the brain and parts of the arm, hand and wrist.

The motor branch of the radial nerve stimulates the triceps muscles on the back of the upper arm to straighten the elbow. Muscles in the outer part of the forearm that rotates the forearm and straighten (extend) the wrist and fingers.

The sensory branch of the radial nerve provides touch, pain and temperature sensations for the skin on the inner upper arm, outer forearm and back of the hand that's closest to the thumb.

Some of the outer nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the arm include axillary nerve, median nerve, musculocutaneous nerve and the ulnar nerve.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE RADIAL NERVE:
Certain conditions and issues can cause radial nerve injury. It typically happens when there's pressure on the radial nerve, causing a pinched nerve and nerve (neuropathic) pain.

Conditions that affect the radial nerve include radial nerve entrapment, radial tunnel syndrome, radial nerve palsy and wartenberg syndrome (cheiralgia paresthetica).

SYMPTOMS OF RADIAL NERVE DAMAGE:
Symptoms of radial nerve damage can vary based on where the radial nerve is injured. One consistent symptom is radial nerve pain (radial nerve neuropathy).

You may have the following sensations in your arm, wrist and/or hand. Weakness or paralysis. Difficulty straightening your elbow, wrist, hand or fingers. Wrist drop (limpy hanging wrist that you can't lift).

TREATMENT:
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, preventing muscle atrophy and restoring function through nerve gliding excercises and manual therapy. Modalities for pain management include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, terahertz therapy and ultrasonic therapy to heal tissue damage and promote healing.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

19/02/2026

Median Nerve Neuropathy. Let's explain 🤔

Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands. A common type of distal median nerve dysfunction is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a compression of the median nerve in the wrist which can cause pain and numbness in the hand.

CAUSES:
Dysfunction of one nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is called a mononeuropathy. Which means there is a local cause of the nerve damage. Diseases affecting the entire body (sistemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.

This condition occurs when the nerve is inflamed, trapped or injured by trauma.The most common reason is trapping (entrapment). Trapping puts pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow area. Wrist fractures may injure the median nerve directly, or it may increase the risk for trapping the nerve later on.

Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or joints (arthritis) can also put pressure on the nerves. Some repetitive movements increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel entrapment.

SYMPTOMS:
Carpal tunnel entrapment symptoms can include numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers, particularly the index, middle and ring fingers and the thumb. Symptoms occurring or worsening at night.

Weakness in the hand leading to the loss of grip strength, making holding objects or carrying out everyday tasks more difficult. In severe cases, inability to feel hot or cold temperatures with the hand.

TREATMENT:
Treatment focuses on reducing median nerve compression, easing pain and restoring function through nerve gliding excercises. Manual therapy, ergonomic adjustments, tendon glide and nerve flossing.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

18/02/2026

Wrist Pain. Let's explain all the reasons 🤔

Wrist Pain is a frequent complaint and there are many potential causes, with a wrist sprain and tendonitis being the most common ones.

When a wrist sprain injury occurs, the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits. This often occurs after an injury, such as a fall onto the hand.

CAUSES EXPLAINED:
WRIST SPRAIN - a ligament is tough, fibrous tissue that controls the motion around the joint. The ligaments around the wrist joint helps to stabilize the position of the hand and allow controlled motions. When a wrist pain injury occurs, the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits, result in pain.

WRIST TENDONITIS - there are multiple strong bands of tissue, called tendons that cross over the wrist, connecting the muscles in the forearm to the hand and finger bones. Flexor tendons are located on the palm side of the hand and allow the fingers to flex. Extensor tendons are on the top side of the hand and help the fingers straighten. When one or more tendons become inflamed, wrist tendonitis develops.

WRIST TENOSYNOVITIS - with tenosynovitis, the tendon sheath (a fluid-filled covering that the wrist tendons glide through) becomes inflamed. One type of tenosynovitis is called De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which causes wrist pain on the thumb side that may move into the arm.

WRIST FRACTURE - a wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. This occurs due to an injury and/or bone weakness, such as with osteoporosis.

ARTHRITIS - there are a few different types of arthritis that may affect the wrist. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the wrist joint and gout (another type of imflamentory arthritis). Osteoarthritis of the wrist is less common and is likely to occur as a result of a prior wrist injury.

GANGLION CYST - are benign, fluid-filled capsules that cause swelling and/or wrist pain. Usually occurs over the back of the hand or wrist.

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - also known as ulnar nerve called the ulnar nerve is compressed. It may cause wrist pain along with numbness and tingling in the 4th and 5th fingers.

CARPAL BOS - a firm, immovable bump on the back of the hand/wrist. A carpal boss is created by a small area of osteoarthritis occurring at the junction of the hand bones.

TREATMENT:
Treatment depends on the different causes as explained above. Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

16/02/2026

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Dizziness. Let's explain the connection 🤔

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and dizziness is a neurological connection most people miss. Dizziness isn't always an inner ear problem. And it's not always "just the neck". New research and case studies highlights that thoracic outlet syndrome can drive vestibular-like symptoms.

WHAT IS THIRACIC OUTLET SYNDROME?
It occurs when nerves, veins or arteries are compressed as they pass from the neck into the arm, typically between the clavicle, first rib, scalene muscles and pectoralis minor. Most people think of arm pain, numbness or tingling, weakness and swelling or color changes, but neurological symptoms are often overlooked.

HOW THORACIC OULET SYNDROME CREATES DIZZINESS:
Venous or neurogenic compression in thoracic outlet syndrome can disrupt the cervical proprioceptive input, autonomic regulation (blood flow heart rate and pressure), brainstem sensory integration and head/neck positional awareness.

The result is dizziness or light headedness, motion sensitivity, visual instability, brain fog, postural intolerance and vestibular symptoms with normal inner-ear testing.

THE NECK/VESTIBULAR-AUTONOMIC LOOP:
The brain relies on three systems to know where you are in space. Vestibular system, vision and cervical and upper-thoracic proprioception. When thoracic outlet compression alters cervical signaling or venous outflow, the brain receives conflicting data and dizziness emerges.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
If you have dizziness, neck and shoulder tightness, arm symptoms, postural intolerance and vestibular tests are "normal", thoracic outlet syndrome may be part of the puzzle.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

12/02/2026

Wrong Lifting Mechanics: High risk for lower back ligament injury 🤔

The image clearly demonstrates what happens when a load is lifted with poor body mechanics. Bending forward from the waist with straight knees shifts excessive stress onto the lumbar spine and it's supporting ligaments.

Instead of the powerful hip and leg muscles doing the work, the passive spinal structures are forced to absorb the load.

When you flex your spine and reach down like this, the posterior spinal ligaments and intervertebral structures are stretched under tension. Repeated loads or heavy loading, in this position, can lead to ligament strain, micro-tears, disc stress and long-term low back pain. The glowing highlight in the image represents the high-stress zone commonly seen in improper lifting.

Your spine is designed for stability first, mobility second. Ligaments are not built to handle sudden or repeated heavy loads without muscular support. That's why relying only on your back instead of your hips and knees is a major injury risk factor, both in gym settings and daily activities.

CORRECT LIFTING STRATEGY:

Keep the load closer to your body. Bend at the hips and knees. Maintain a neutral spine. Engage your core and drive upward through your legs.

This distributes force through large muscle groups instead of fragile passive tissues.

Small technique changes today can prevent major back problems tomorrow 👍😉

11/02/2026

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis? 🤔

Ankylosis spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, but can also affect other joints and organs in the body.

In ankylosing spondylitis, the immune system attacks the joints in the spine and pelvis, causing inflammation and pain. The exact cause is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of generic and environmental factors.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine.

Over time, the inflammation can cause some of the bones in the spine, called vertebrae, to fuse together. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can lead to a hunched posture. If the joints in the chest are affected, it may become harder to rake deep breaths.

Axial spondylo-arthritis has 2 types. When the condition is found on an x-ray, it is called ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondylo-arthritis.

When the condition cannot be seen on a x-ray but is found based on symptoms, blood tests and other imaging test such as an MRI, it is called non-radiographic axial spondylo-arthritis.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms often begin in early adulthood. The condition also can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. This happens most often in the eyes, called uveitis. Most common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are lower back pain and stiffness that are worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Other symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the joints, fatique, eye inflammation and difficulty taking deep breaths. Neck pain, vision changes or eye pain, skin rashes and stomach pain.

TREATMENT:
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications by lessen symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

10/02/2026

Let's explain Hip Osteoarthritis 🤔

Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the hip joint. It is the most common form of arthritis in the hip and develops gradually over time.

The condition occurs when the protective cartilage in the hip joint breaks down, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.As people age, the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases.

TYPES OF HIP ARTHRITIS:
Most of the time, arthritis of the hip is osteoarthritis, which is simple wear and tear on the joint. Less commonly, inflammatory types of arthritis may affect the hips, like rheumoid arthritis.

This is a different type of disease. Typically, inflammatory arthritis will affect many parts of the body at once, not just large joints like the hips. Inflammatory types of arthritis are more likely to appear earlier.

CAUSES:
Osteoarthritis of the hip is mostly the result of normal wear and tear on the hip joint. Our hips bear a lot of weight and stress throughout our lives from normal activities like walking, sitting down and standing up.

Lifestyle factors, generic factors, injuries and diseases may contribute to wearing down the cartilage in the joint sooner. These factors can increase the risk of developing hip arthritis over time.

Risk factors include increased age, occupations or sports that put repetitive stress on the hip joint. Carrying extra weight on your body as well as previous injury or surgery in the hip joint.

WILL I GET HIP ARTHRITIS IN BOTH HIPS?
Osteoarthritis often affects just one hip at a time. Inflammatory arthritis often affects both hips and other joints. If you have osteoarthritis in one hip, you won't necessarily get it in the other hip.

SYMPTOMS:
Arthritis in the hip can cause pain and stiffness when the hip joint moves. Limited range of motion of the hip. Difficulty bending at the waist or walking with a limb.

A grinding or clicking sensation when you move your hip. A crackling or clicking sound when it moves, called
crepitus. You might feel hip arthritis pain in areas surrounding the hip joint.

This is called referred pain, sometimes it seems to move from one area to another. You may feel pain in the groin, thigh, buttocks and knee.

TREATMENT:
Treatment for hip osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving joint mobility and enhancing strength through tailored excercises and manual therapy.

Key treatments include customized strength training, flexibility excercises, gait re-education and activity modification to unload the joint.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

09/02/2026

Let's explain Biceps Tendinopathy 🤔

Biceps tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons of the biceps muscle, which is located in the upper arm. It is the inflammation of the tendon around the long head of the biceps muscle.

Biceps tendinitis can impair patient's ability to perform many routine activities. Main function of the biceps muscle is forearm supination and elbow flexion. It also contribute 10% of the total power in shoulder abduction, when the arm is in external rotating.

THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF BT:
The early stages of tenosynovitis and inflammation secondary to repetitive traction, friction and shoulder rotation. Inflammation develops early on in the tendinous portion in the bicipital groove.

The tendon increases in diameter secondary to swelling and/or associated hemorrhage, further compromising the tendon as it becomes mechanically irritated in its confined space.

The resultant increased pressure and specific sites of traction, predispose the tendon to pathological shear forces. In advanced stage conditions the tendon can eventually rupture at the origin near the superior glenoid tubercle.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Characteristics of proximal biceps tendinitis include the following. Atroumatic, insidious onset of anterior shoulder pain. Symptoms exacerbating with overhead activities, pain radiating down the anterior arm from the shoulder.

Clicking or audible popping. Pain experienced at night as well as pain during rest. Weakness that affects mobility.

TREATMENT:
Physical therapy initially focussing on unloading followed by reloading the effected tendon. Isometric training if pain is the primary issue. Strengthening and stretching excercises. Ultrasonic and low laser therapy. Mobilization and manipulation.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

05/02/2026

Spine Biomechanics. Why alignment matters 🤔

The human spine is a dynamic load-bearing structure designed to protect the spinal cord, while allowing movement and shock absorption. Each vertebrae stacks to form a column that distributes body weight from the head and trunk down to the pelvis and lower limbs.

When this alignment is optimal, forces pass smoothly through the vertebrae and discs with minimal stress.
Intervertebral discs act as hydraulic shock absorbers. Under compression, they deform slightly and redistribute pressure evenly across the vertebral endplates.

During bending, rotation or lifting, discs manage shear and torsional forces. Poor posture or repetitive overload increases disc pressure asymmetrically, leading to bulging, degeneration or rupture over time.
Ligaments and muscles provide both passive and active stability. Ligaments limit excessive motion and guide vertebral movement, while muscles dynamically control posture and motion.

When muscles fatique or ligaments are overstretched, spinal segments become unstable. This instability alters joint mechanics and increases micro-movement at individual vertebral levels.

Nerve roots exit between vertebrae through the intervertebral foramina. Biomechanical ly, any reduction in disc height, vertebral misalignment or inflammation narrows this space. The result is nerve stretching, compression or irritation, which may present as radiating pain, numbness or weakness along the nerve pathway.

Restoring healthy spinal biomechanics focuses on alignment, mobility and stability, improving postural control, enhancing deep core muscle activation and reducing unnecessary spinal stress, normalize force transmission.

When the spine moves and loads as designed, pain decreases and functional efficiency improves 👍😉

Complementary & Alternative Health

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Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 18:00
Thursday	09:00 - 18:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00
Saturday	09:00 - 17:00